Shows
Explain Boston to MeCharlestown with Lee EisemanIn this episode, we're joined by Lee Eiseman, who has lived in Charlestown for over 50 years. We cover a lot of ground, from the Battle of Bunker Hill (and its upcoming anniversary celebrations), to Irish immigration, to busing, to hot tips for contemporary visitors coming to the neighborhood.
CLICK HERE for a list of upcoming events commemorating the Battle of Bunker Hill, including the reenactment of the monument corner stone laying.
Next week: Boston Movie Club tackles The Town.
Max Kepler is bae.
Leave me a nice Apple Podcasts review!
2025-06-1149 minExplain Boston to MeREWIND: The 2004 Red Sox with Tyler RotmanIn honor of October baseball, we're revisiting this magical tale of underdog grit, triumph over evil, and old men weeping in the streets. Lifelong Red Sox fan Tyler Rotman joins me to tell me the tale of how the curse was broken and the city liberated from its insidious vice — even if Pedro did throw that old man to the ground.
We'll be back next week to talk about the Head of the Charles Regatta.
If you'd like to buy a festive fir from Tyler in a few months, check out Boston Christmas Trees.
...2024-10-0948 minExplain Boston to MeThe West End is dead, long live the West End with Sebastian BelfantiIn this episode, we're joined by Sebastian Belfanti of the West End Museum to talk about the history of the neighborhood — and its tragic fate at the hands of Urban Renewal. Turns out Boston looked at a dense, diverse downtown neighborhood and said, "Bring in the bulldozers."
Click here for images of the destruction of the West End. And here are images of The Gothic before its demolition.
Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send a voice memo.
If you're a local bu...2024-10-021h 04Explain Boston to MeNever go to Salem in October with Adam & Art AntczakSalem, the North Shore city with a long and complicated history, is now in the midst of a new chapter: Halloweenmania! Beginning before the first leaf even turns, its annual Halloween Happenings attracts tourists from around the globe, packing the streets and causing headaches in surrounding towns. How did it get this way?
To chat about this spooky phenomenon, I'm joined by brothers Adam and Art Antczak, a couple of dudes who have lived in and around Salem for decades. We talk about the time Bewitched came to town, the title of "official witch," the Hocus Pocus...2024-09-2538 minExplain Boston to MeThe Boston Tea Party (PART TWO) with Audrey Stuck-GirardIt's the dramatic conclusion of our discussion of the Boston Tea Party! Living history interpreter Audrey Stuck-Girard walks us through the aftermath and the legacy of this iconic incident.
Check out Audrey's custom historical wig business, Cuffed & Coiffed (here's the Instagram page).
The Wet Guy.
A clip from The Comeback, which is actually a three-part series on Netflix.
Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send a voice memo.
If you're a local business who'd like to advertise on...2024-09-1838 minExplain Boston to MeThe Boston Tea Party with Audrey Stuck-GirardIn part one of our inaugural two-parter, we're talking with living history interpreter Audrey Stuck-Girard about one of Boston's most iconic incidents, The Boston Tea Party. This episode has everything: Colonial tax policy, tea talk, a creepy portrait of Paul Revere, an alibi for Sam Adams, a testy town meeting, smuggling, Connecticut slander, and more!
Check out Audrey's custom historical wig business, Cuffed & Coiffed (here's the Instagram page).
Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send a voice memo.
If you're a local...2024-09-1148 minExplain Boston to MeLobstah with Curt BrownNot even COVID could keep me away from you! I'm back from vacation with an episode exploring an iconic part of New England culture: Lobster. To go deep (sea) on the subject, I'm joined by Curt Brown, a Maine lobsterman and marine biologist with a passion for this industry and clawfuls of optimism for its future.
Please blame any and all bad puns on my sick, addled brain.
Check out Sea Change: The Gulf of Maine, a NOVA Special Presentation.
Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM...2024-09-0445 minExplain Boston to MeREWIND: Allston Christmas with Matt ShearerOh how far we've come! I'm on vacation, so here's an oldie but a goodie — with a new intro!
On the first ever episode of "Explain Boston to Me," l learned about Allston Christmas, the smorgasbord of free curbside stuff that happens every September 1.
Explaining this phenomenon — and giving the overall scoop on Allston — is Matt Shearer, a reporter for WBZ News Radio. You might have heard him over the airwaves, but if you’re under 40 you’re probably more likely to have seen one of his viral “man on the street” segments pinging around the internet. C...2024-08-2831 minExplain Boston to MeThe whitewashing of Boston with Dart AdamsIn this week's episode, we're joined by Dart Adams, author, journalist, historian, and Black Bostonian. He talks about how the culture being exported by the city — the movies, TV shows, media, and memes — doesn't reflect the actual diversity of the community.
Here is Randolph and Mortimer Duke: "Turn those machines back on!"
And here is a video of Joel Embiid trolling the French fans.
Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send a voice memo.
If you're a local business who'd like...2024-08-2151 minExplain Boston to MeThe North End with James PastoThis week, we're talking about one of Boston's most iconic neighborhoods, the North End. James Pasto grew up in this Italian enclave and now teaches a class on its history at Boston University. It's currently Feast Season — check out this calendar to plan your outing.
Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send a voice memo.
If you're a local business who'd like to advertise on the podcast, please drop me a line.
Send us a text
2024-08-1449 minExplain Boston to MeBoston's best dive bars with Zach ServideoThis week, we're grabbing a drink where everyone knows your name. Oops. Not that place — we'll save that for another day. Zach Servideo of Value Creation Labs is an entrepreneur and dude in the tech/innovation space, but he is also a former doorman at The Pour House (RIP). We talk about dive bar culture in Boston, how it's changing in this newly moneyed era, and why we still need these sacred spaces.
Here is Ben Affleck's new look.
Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or...2024-08-0749 minExplain Boston to MeBoston's NIMBYs with Jacob AnbinderThis week, we're talking about the housing crisis. And affordability. And development. And density. What could go wrong? Historian Jacob Anbinder is an expert on how cities grow and evolve, and the forces aligned against those changes. We discuss Boston's NIMBY-est towns, the recent drama in Milton over the MBTA Communities Act, and why we should take people at their word when it comes to why they fight development.
To read more from Anbinder, check out these two features from The Atlantic:
"What Historic Preservation Is Doing to American Cities"
"The Pandemic Disproved Urban Progressives’ Theory Ab...2024-07-3149 minExplain Boston to MeRevere Beach with Jan DumasLet's hit the sand! We're talking about Revere Beach with Jan Dumas, a proud resident and city booster. We get into the area's history, its rough reputation and weigh in on the original Kelly's Roast Beef. If you'd like to know more about what's going on at Revere Beach and its past, head to reverebeach.com.
Here is the heat map of Twisted Tea consumption and here is the Philadelphia Magazine feature on Twisted Tea.
Here is video of David from the Real World: Seattle having a meltdown in a car (skip ahead to the l...2024-07-2433 minExplain Boston to MeHow to survive moving in Boston with Premium QHappy first birthday to Explain Boston to Me!
In this episode, I'm joined by Marian Esanu and Victor Chaves of Premium Q Moving & Storage to talk about the wild world of moving in Boston. From Storrow-ed vehicles to helicopter parents to the September 1 move-mageddon, the industry here has its own particular challenges.
As I explain in the show, this is not sponsored content. Here's my appearance on their podcast, Life Beyond Boxes.
Here is Kylie Kelce yelling at a woman in Margate.
Read The Paper Palace.
Have feedback on...2024-07-1742 minExplain Boston to MeBoston Movie Club: The DepartedIn the second installment of Boston Movie Club, I'm joined by Southie native and former EBtM guest Pat Toomey (check out his episode here) to chat about The Departed. I was new to this Scorcese gangster flick — cranberry juice! Nicolson in a bucket hat! Wahlberg! rats! — and was thrilled to have a local talk me through its complicated legacy.
What are your thoughts on The Departed? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send along a voice memo.
If you're a local business who'd like to advertise on the podcast, please drop me a line.
2024-07-1040 minExplain Boston to MeCatholics! with Craig TichelkampHow did Boston's Catholics go from a scorned minority to the dominant force in local politics and culture? Lots of reasons! Here to walk us through it is Craig Tichelkamp, a Harvard Divinity School-educated scholar who teaches at Stonehill College.
Also, Dunkin' feedback! And an update on the next Movie Club installment.
Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send a voice memo.
If you're a local business who'd like to advertise on the podcast, please drop me a line.
Send...2024-06-2651 minExplain Boston to MeDunkin' Donuts with Megan JohnsonIt's finally time. We're chatting about the brand that is perhaps most closely associated with the Boston region. The conversation touches on the mustachioed man ("time to make the donuts"), the iconic color scheme, the kinds of people you find in a Dunkin', music festival brand activations, Coolattas, Ben Affleck, and so much more.
Here's a link to Casey Affleck's SNL sketch. And here's a pic of Ben buckling under the weight of the world while gathering his Dunkin' order in 2020.
Check out Megan on Instagram.
Have feedback on this episode or ideas fo...2024-06-1939 min
Life Beyond Boxes with Premium Q Moving and StorageExplain Boston To Me with Lee Stabert - 029In this episode of 🎙️Life Beyond Boxes with Premium Q Moving and Storage Podcast, we sit down with Lee Stabert, the insightful and passionate host of the popular podcast "Explain Boston To Me." This episode is a deep dive into the vibrant and historic city of Boston, guided by Lee's expert knowledge and love for the city.▶️ Watch Life Beyond Boxes: Explain Boston To Me with Lee Stabert on YoutubePlease click here to give a Rating/Review for the show on iTunes! Thanks for your support!🎧 Check out other related episodes moving tips ep...2024-06-1640 minExplain Boston to MeThe curious case of the $600,000 liquor license with Shirley LeungSometimes episodes of EBtM deal with the "what" — this one deals with the "why." Boston Globe reporter and podcaster Shirley Leung joins us to explain how Boston's restaurant scene has long been stymied by esoteric liquor regulations. This has a profound trick-down impact on the area's culture, its retention of young creatives, and its low-income neighborhoods. Fortunately, help might finally be on the way. Hey, State Legislature, do happy hour next!
Be sure to check out Leung's podcast Say More (the series "Beating Burnout" comes out this month) and her reporting on Boston's liquor license laws.
Ha...2024-06-1241 minExplain Boston to MeBoston's candy-coated history with Jeremy SpindlerIn this episode, we're learning all about the incredible history of candy manufacturing in Boston. With Jeremy Spindler of Spindler Confections as our guide, we cover the meteoric rise and slow demise of a signature New England industry — it's a bittersweet tale, to say the least.
And as a bonus, it's taste test time! Listen as I sample some of the area's classic candies, including the famous/infamous Necco wafers. Let's just say that times — and tastes — have changed.
Here's video of the Gloucester Greasy Pole and info on the upcoming St. Peter's Fiesta (June 16-30).2024-06-0548 minExplain Boston to MeSummer in Cape Cod with Joe FentiThis week, we're kicking off summer by chatting about Cape Cod. Sharing his thoughts, feelings, and shark avoidance tips is Joe Fenti, standup comedian and corporate drone, who recently went viral for his video about the Seaport — one of our favorite topics over here at EBtM.
Check out Joe's content on Instagram (@fentifriendchicken) and Tiktok, or book him to produce a standup show in any space via Comedy Coop Standup. He has several events coming up this month.
Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or se...2024-05-2931 minExplain Boston to MeBrighton with Kelly McGrathFirst, we've got fashion episode feedback! Then I'm chatting with Kelly McGrath, executive director of Brighton Main Streets, about her neighborhood — its past, present, and future. Can this working-class haven balance the enticements of development with the downsides of gentrification?
Have feedback on this episode or ideas for upcoming topics? DM me on Instagram, email me, or send me a voice memo.
If you're a local business who'd like to advertise on the podcast, please drop me a line.
For merch, head to Explainbostontome.com.
Send us a text
2024-05-2242 min
It's Another Sunday PodcastEpisode 150 - "Explain Boston to Me" Lee StabertSend us a textIn another installment of our series "Podcasters Supporting Podcasters, we talk to Lee Stabert, Producer and Host of the popular podcast "Explain Boston to Me". Lee is a Philly transplant and wants to learn all about Boston. She quips that she'll "never be a native, but she might just learn to speak the language"."Explain Boston to Me" is weekly podcast that covers things such as our accent (do we really have one?) , Market Basket, Route 1, "Boston's obsession with Ice Crea...2024-05-1952 minExplain Boston to MeIs Boston fashion-challenged? with Margo LindauerIn this week's episode, I'm joined fashionable lady Margo Lindauer of the podcast JustUS. We're asking the big question: Why don't people dress better in Boston? We've got theories, we've got equivocation, we've got thoughts on Lilly Pulitzer.
If you want to tell me why we're wrong about local fashion — or share your own hot takes — please DM me on Instagram, email me, or send me a voice memo.
If you're a local business who'd like to advertise on the podcast, please drop me a line.
For merch, head to Explainbostontome.com.
Sen...2024-05-1542 minExplain Boston to MeMake Way for Ducklings at Boston Public Garden with Liz VizzaThis weekend is Mother's Day, which means it's also Duckling Day. In this episode, I chat with the president of the Friends of the Boston Public Garden about the park's history, its dire state in the 1970s, and the iconic children's book that inspired both the city's favorite statue and this annual tradition.
Plus, a crude Ben Franklin bumper sticker, questions about Sam Adams beer and Celtics' fans, and a book recommendation.
If you're a local business who'd like to advertise on the podcast, please send me an email.
For merch, head to...2024-05-0840 minExplain Boston to MeThe Great Molasses Flood with Lisa Mullan PerkinsIn 1919, a wall of molasses washed through the North End. I don't think we talk about this enough! In this episode, we're talking with Lisa Mullan Perkins of Uwila Warrior about this sticky incident and its impact on the city. Plus, my pitch for the next great HBO Miniseries, working title: Sweet Nightmares: The Great Molasses Flood.
We've also got an update on my emotional state and a lot of questions about Wally, the Red Sox's wall-dwelling mascot.
For merch, head to Explainbostontome.com.
Follow me on Instagram @explainbostontome.
Send us...2024-05-0137 minExplain Boston to MeREWIND: Talking Celtics with Jake Issenberg of First to the FloorI'm taking the week off, but I'm not leaving you hanging. In honor of NBA playoff season, I'm rerunning my conversation with Jake Issenberg, co-host of the Celtics podcast First to the Floor. There's even a new intro where I reveal how Jalen Brunson is ruining my marriage and tease upcoming episode topics. Jake and I dig in on rivalries. What team is the biggest Celtics rival of all time? What exactly makes a fanbase hate another franchise with the heat of a thousand suns? Does intimacy breed contempt? Why do we love overachievers so much? And pe...2024-04-2441 minExplain Boston to MeStuck in Boston traffic with Chris Dempsey and Jeff SpeckBoston was once declared the most congested metropolitan region in the country. So, yes, the traffic here is terrible — but what can we do about it? How can we change the structural incentives that keep people in their cars? Hint: the answer is not bigger roads. To traverse the conversational terrain of transit, congestion pricing, gas taxes, and bike lanes, we're joined by Chris Dempsey and Jeff Speck, the men behind the urban design firm Speck Dempsey. These guys really know what they're talking about, even if they've never seen the Cameron Crowe classic Singles. He...2024-04-1751 minExplain Boston to MeThe Boston Marathon (again!) and local running culture with Matt Taylor of TracksmithWe're digging back into the Boston Marathon, one of the city's most beloved and enduring events. This time, the focus is on what makes this race so special and on the rich, passionate local running culture that is its beating heart. Pacing us on this journey is Matt Taylor, founder and and CEO of Tracksmith, a running gear brand with a classic New England aesthetic that was conceived by runners, for runners. Taylor is taking his second stab at the Marathon this week — we're rooting for him. Here is Dan McQuade's original Philadelphia Magazine story on Rocky's tr...2024-04-1035 minExplain Boston to MeDating in Boston with Meredith GoldsteinRomance is in the air on this week's episode as we chat with Meredith Goldstein, The Boston Globe's dating advice columnist and host of the companion podcast Love Letters. She offers insight on finding the right person in the right neighborhood, men with fishing pictures in their app profiles, and the region's strange cocktail of Puritanism and progressive politics — did you know that you can legally register a polyamorous relationship in Somerville? Share your thoughts on J.D. Drew via email (explainbostontome@gmail.com) or DM me on Instagram. And for merch that will help spa...2024-04-0350 minExplain Boston to MeThe Combat Zone with Stephanie SchorowThis week's episode is all about the Combat Zone, Boston's erstwhile vice district located right in the heart of the city. To talk peep shows, strip clubs, neon signs, and organized crime, we're joined by writer Stephanie Schorow, author of Inside the Combat Zone: The Stripped Down Story of Boston's Most Notorious Neighborhood, along with many other books on local history. Click here for merch: Explainbostontome.com. Send us a text
2024-03-2738 minExplain Boston to MeThe Clam Highway with Ted Reinstein of ChronicleWe're going deep on fried clams, with forays into other New England seafood classics, the woes of the local fishing industry, and why rivalries are good for business. To enlighten us on the clam wars in Essex and so much more, we're joined by Ted Reinstein, a longtime reporter for Chronicle on WCVB Channel 5 and author of Wicked Pissed: New England’s Most Famous Feuds.If you'd like to send me a recording of you pronouncing "Billerica," email me: explainbostontome@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram. Click here for merch: Explainbostontome.com. Sen...2024-03-2035 min
PrismGetting creative with artist housing in PennsylvaniaOne of the most essential pieces of not only bringing creatives into a neighborhood but keeping them there is housing. Affordable housing. Two organizations on opposite sides of the state are tackling this problem and making their communities stronger in the process.2024-03-1938 minExplain Boston to MeCandlepin bowling with Tom Giordano of Wakefield BowladromeIn this episode, we're learning all about candlepin bowling, the region's scrappy counterpoint to "ten-pin" or "big ball." Tom Giordano has been working at Wakefield Bowladrome for almost 50 years and he has plenty of insight into what makes this local past time endure in the hearts and minds of New Englanders. We chat about the demise of the pin boys, candlepin on local television, and the recent filming of The Holdovers at Wakefield. Also, here is that promised Malice at the Palace footage. Send us a text
2024-03-1331 minExplain Boston to MeKendall Square with Scott KirsnerIn this episode, we're going deep on Cambridge's nerdiest neighborhood, tracing its history from industrial mecca to biotech playground. Scott Kirsner, longtime Boston Globe tech columnist and co-founder of The Innovation Trail, explains the role of MIT in the area's growth, shoots down some JKF-centric conspiracy mongering, and muses on the future of this riverside boomtown (hint: it might depends on how this whole A.I. thing goes). Send us a text
2024-03-0652 minExplain Boston to MeOn having a Boston accent with Joe DiMeoIs the Boston accent endangered? I'm joined by Medford native Joe DiMeo to chat about what it means to drop your Rs, Ben Affleck’s late-in-life code-switching, and how to get a discount from your plumb-ha.
And, as promised, here is my travel-influencer play in The Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/02/17/business/taxis-logan-airport-uber-lyft/
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2024-02-2846 minExplain Boston to MeJulia Child's Cambridge with Lisa McManus of America's Test KitchenLisa McManus, foremost expert in all things kitchen gear, joins me to talk about Julia Child. This culinary icon spent 40 years living in Cambridge, just a short walk from where I currently sit. We chat about what brought Julia to the area, her favorite local butcher shop, sending knives through the mail, and how her legacy of home-cook demystification continues with ATC. Plus, we've got merch! Head to explainbostontome.com to pick some up. Send us a text
2024-02-2150 minExplain Boston to MeLocal college radio with Sean MaloneyJust a couple of elder millennials waxing nostalgic about how things used to be — what could go wrong?? In this episode, I'm joined by friend and music writer Sean Maloney to talk about Boston's amazing and resilient college radio scene. He shouts out the big players, expounds these stations' impact on his life, and takes a detour into one particularly "sinister" job. (You'll get that pun once you hear the episode). Send us a text
2024-02-1447 minExplain Boston to MeDowntown Boston with Daniel DainIn this episode, I'm joined by Daniel Dan, author of A History of Boston. We're talking about the forces that have shaped downtown, from pre-colonial pandemics to urban renewal to shifting corporate cultures. You'll never look at this neighborhood the same again. Send us a text
2024-02-0749 minPrismPennsylvania's festivals offer more than just funFrom live music to chainsaws, Pennsylvania's unique annual festivals celebrate everything under the sun. They also boost their communities, increase local pride, and showcase the host area for a wide swath of new people. The economic benefits redound throughout the year. In this latest episode, we're joined by representatives from Bethlehem's Musikfest and the Ridgway's Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous.2024-02-0230 minExplain Boston to MeWhy do Boston restaurants suck? with Erika AdamsJust a couple of transplants talking mild trash on the local restaurant scene — what could go wrong??? This week, I'm joined by Erika Adams, the editor of Eater Boston, to talk about the barriers to entry for upstart eateries, the risk averse culture of the city's diners, and some our favorite places to eat here. Come for the discourse, stay for the restaurant recommendations. Send us a text
2024-01-3155 minExplain Boston to MeRenting an apartment in Boston with Justin Kaplan of the Boston AccentWhy is it so hard — and expensive — to rent an apartment here? Why does everyone move on the same day? Why do so many landlords suck? In this episode, we're talking local real estate with the satirical whiz behind The Boston Accent. Send us a text
2024-01-2442 minExplain Boston to MeThe teams Celtics fans love to hate with Jake IssenbergToday we're talking rivalries! What team is the biggest Celtics rival of all time? What exactly makes a fanbase hate another franchise with the heat of a thousand suns? Does intimacy breed contempt? And why do we love overachievers so much? Jake Issenberg, co-host of the Celtics podcast First to the Floor has all the answers — and even a few kind words for Allen Iverson. Send us a text
2024-01-1740 minExplain Boston to MeMarket Basket with Stephanie Vecellio"It's like 'Succession,' but with more discounted top-round." On this episode, artist and Somerville resident Stephanie Vecellio tells talks with me about Market Basket, the beloved local grocery chain that has it all: low prices, family feuds, interior design out of the 1950s, sawdust on the floor, and multiple people named Arthur.
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2024-01-1035 minExplain Boston to MeBoston Movie Club: Good Will HuntingIn the inaugural installment of our Boston Movie Club, we're talking about Good Will Hunting. To get into all the good stuff — Stellan Skarsgaard’s scarf, whether or not a burger is ever called a "sandwich" interchangeably, and Robin Williams’ recent role as a spiritual advisor to a cult leader — I’m joined by a very special guest.Send us a text
2024-01-0333 minExplain Boston to MeThe Tom Brady/Bill Belichick Patriots with Matt ButlerThis one is a doozy! I get to talk about the impeccable strangeness of Tom Brady while digging into how the unholy alliance of hard-nosed coach and superstar quarterback changed the destiny of the New England Patriots. We're asking big questions: Who one of these weirdos would you rather take a road trip with? What happens to all those sweatshirt sleeves? And is Belichick any good without his golden boy? Plus, an update on the Boston Movie Club.Send us a text
2023-12-2044 minExplain Boston to MeReinventing The Seaport with Kyle PaolettaIt's finally here!!! After months of anticipation and countless — well, I could probably count them — mentions in random episodes of the podcast, I'm finally getting someone to explain The Seaport to me. How did this area of South Boston go from parking-lot-palooza to sparkly poster child for runaway development? Do we need to print urban planning bingo cards? What do you do with a kid who orders the most expensive thing on the menu? All these questions and more will be answered. Send us a text
2023-12-1344 minExplain Boston to MeWhat we talk about when we talk about Black history in Boston with Dr. Kerri Greenidge and Dr. Kendra T. FieldThe history of Black Bostonians goes far beyond abolition and busing, just ask the co-directors of Tuft's African American Trail Project. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Kerri Greenidge and Dr. Kendra T. Field to talk about how public history is evolving to tell a more complete story of Black Boston. We dig into the profound impact that the African-American community has had on local politics and intellectual life, and discuss the neighborhoods that are key to that legacy. Send us a text
2023-12-0638 minExplain Boston to Me"Boston" versus Boston with Garrett Dash NelsonDid you know that Boston — as in the actual city — is actually quite small, while it could be argued that the metro area stretches for hours in several directions? How did it get this way? And why are so many distinct municipalities sandwiched together? Turns out there's an answer. Or several answers. Garrett Dash Nelson, head of the Leventhal Map & Education Center At The Boston Public Library, is here to explain how forces as disparate as pilgrim culture, school snobbery, and taxation (of course) shaped the region's fractured political geography. Send us a text
2023-11-2941 minExplain Boston to MeThe 2004 Red Sox with Tyler RotmanIn honor of the holiday season, we present this magical tale of underdog grit, triumph over evil, and old men weeping in the streets. Lifelong Red Sox fan Tyler Rotman joins me to tell me the tale of how the curse was broken and the city liberated from its insidious vice — even if Pedro did throw that old man to the ground.Send us a text
2023-11-2249 minExplain Boston to MeSouthie with Pat ToomeyWe're back from vacation and learning all about this iconic Boston neighborhood. Our guest Pat Toomey (not the former senator!) explains old working-class-Irish Southie and new frat-bro-central Southie, and even gets in a few digs at "The Departed."Send us a text
2023-11-1529 minPrismChester cultivates its creative heartChester, PA is a small city of over 30,000 nestled along the Delaware River southwest of Philadelphia. It’s a place with a long history. It was incorporated in 1682 and is home to the Chester Courthouse, the oldest existing public building in the United States. It experienced an industrial boom driven by shipyards and manufacturing, followed by periods of unrest and divestment. As you’ll hear in this conversation, it it was also a key site of protest during the civil rights movement.Chester these days is an inflection point. Outside investment in a professional soccer stadium and wate...2023-11-1434 minExplain Boston to MeNorth Shore Beefs with Andy FergHope you're hungry! We're digging into this regional delicacy with the man behind a 50k-strong community dedicated to discussing North Shore roast beef. Andy Ferg tells me what makes a great sandwich — freshness matters — and why some of the most famous shops rest on their laurels. Warning: This episode contains adult language. Lots of it.Send us a text
2023-11-0136 minExplain Boston to MeThe Big Dig with Ian CossIn this episode we're joined by the host of GBH News' "The Big Dig" podcast to talk about the city's most infamous infrastructure boondoggle. Who were the major players? Why did America spend so much of the middle of the 20th century running highways through historic urban cores? And in the end, was The Big Dig worth it?Send us a text
2023-10-2541 minExplain Boston to MeThe Boston Pops with Susan DangelThis week, I'm learning about the Boston Pops, a beloved local institution. We're talking Arthur Fielder, we're talking John Williams, we're singing the Superman theme, we're hearing about the largest firework in history (spoiler: it was a dud), and the creation of the field of acoustics. Plus, giant pumpkins floating on the the Charles, Phillies talk, and musings on what it's like to live with the Liberty Bell. Send us a text
2023-10-1838 minPrismPrism season two is POPing off in PittsburghIn our first episode of season two, we’re heading west to Pittsburgh where The Andy Warhol Museum is expanding its mission and its footprint. The treasured cultural institution is spearheading the POP District, an initiative that encompasses everything from a live music venue and co-working spaces, to workforce development programs and public art. To talk about the challenges and the incredible promise of this effort, we’re joined by Dan Law, associate director of The Warhol, and Mikael Owunna, a local professional artist.2023-10-1745 minExplain Boston to MeBoston's 1980s Standup Comedy Scene with Nick ZainoWe're diving into Boston's comedy boom with Nick Zaino. The Boston Globe writer tells us about the legend of the Ding Ho, swears in the name of Dennis Leary, and awes me with the names of famous comedians that just happen to be from here. Plus, a story about how to make an enemy of host Lee Stabert: It involves being tall and wearing a large hat. Send us a text
2023-10-1139 minPrismComing Soon: Prism Season 2Season 2 of Prism begins in October! Catch up on previous episodes here and/or get more info on Keystone Edge.2023-10-0500 minExplain Boston to MeThe Boston Busing Crisis with Matthew DelmontThis week I'm learning about how, in the 1970s, Boston became the poster child for desegregation strife in the North. Professor Matthew Delmont of Dartmouth University shares his insights on the deep structural issues that led to the busing crisis, the role of the media, and how the city's reputation as the "cradle of liberty" led to a fascination with its racial woes. Plus, I talk about the Phillies.Send us a text
2023-10-0434 minExplain Boston to MeThe Dedham Mall is dead, long live Legacy Place with Leila CohanI'm joined by Leila Cohan, TV and movie writer extraordinaire, to talk about running errands in the suburbs, the joys of a bad mall, killing time in Copley Place, and how Legacy Place personifies the new, pricier, more chain-happy Boston metro. Send us a text
2023-09-2741 minExplain Boston to MeRoute 128 and the Massachusetts Miracle with Lily GeismerIf you heard the phrase "Massachusetts Miracle," would you also assume it was a famous sports play? Please tell me I'm not alone. In this week's episode, we're joined by Cambridge native and history professor Lily Geismer to talk about Route 128, the associated tech boom, suburban liberals, and famous loser Michael Dukakis. Plus, I've got more to say about Duck Boats.Send us a text
2023-09-2034 min
We Are HereBONUS: Re-vision podcastAs you await season two of We Are Here, check out a new podcast series from our partners at PA Humanities: "Re-vision: Conversations about our Constitution"2023-09-1401 minExplain Boston to MeRiding the MBTA rails with Jed PaulThis week I'm joined by a transit influencer, which is a thing I just made up. Fellow Boston transplant Jed Paul (@jeddeo1 on TikTok and Instagram) is a lifelong train enthusiast who has made it his mission to explore the MBTA, warts and all. Come for the deadpan, absurdist humor, stay for tales of the mysterious blue line, bulging walls in green line stations, and Mark Wahlberg. Send us a text
2023-09-1335 minExplain Boston to MeBoston's Ice Cream Obsession with Judy HerrellAre people in Boston — and New England more generally — especially obsessed with ice cream? Consider this an Explain Boston to Me investigation. To help me navigate these frigid waters, I'm joined by Judy Herrell, who has been in the business for over 40 years. We talk about Steve's Ice Cream in Somerville inventing the mix-in, how the ice house begat a local passion, and the resurrection of Hydrox cookies. Send us a text
2023-09-0633 minExplain Boston to MeNewbury Street with Courtney Flynn of Trident Booksellers & CafeIn this episode, we're taking a walk down one of Boston's most iconic commercial corridors. Courtney Flynn is the second generation running Trident Booksellers & Cafe, which has been located on the "wrong side" of Newbury Street for almost 40 years. We chat about running a small business in a city notorious for red tape, Newbury Comics, and who you'd rather sit next to at a bar: a rabid Philly sports fan or a rabid Boston sports fan.Send us a text
2023-08-2334 minExplain Boston to MeThe Harvard Square Pit with Bud Durand and Elizabeth RossThis week, I'm joined by two former Harvard Square Pit rats to talk about why suburban kids were drawn to this spot, the legacy of counter-culture in Harvard Square, and the spiritual — and physical — death of The Pit. We touch on the woes of gentrification, Soul Asylum, town versus gown tensions, and why it's always important to test out your vinyl shirt in a safe space before you wear it to high school. Send us a text
2023-08-1641 minExplain Boston to MeThe Modern Lovers and '70s Boston with Sean MaloneyLocal writer Sean Maloney explains how the '70s scene in Boston set the stage for the Modern Lovers, and why Jonathan Richman continues to provide inspiration for some of the biggest acts of all time. He also claims it used to be cheap to live in Cambridge. What a life! In addition, we've got tangents on famous male virgins, coaching trees, and the local-music Mount Rushmore. Send us a text
2023-08-0940 minExplain Boston to MeThe Boston Marathon with Kevin KoczwaraToday, things are taking a slightly more serious turn. It can’t be all orange dinosaurs and curbside sectionals over here. We’re talking about the Boston Marathon, and we can’t really do that without also talking about the 2013 Marathon Bombing. With help from journalist Kevin Koscwara, I learn about what this annual event means to the region . #BostonStrongSend us a text
2023-08-0244 minWe Are HereSeason one recap: The conversation continuesWhat a ride it's been! In this installment, we chat with PA Humanities' Laurie Zierer about her growing passion for podcasts, some favorite moments from season one, and what's coming next.2023-07-2614 minExplain Boston to MeThe North Shore and Rte. 1 with Desirée DugasToday, we’re talking about the North Shore, and about Route 1 — that mecca of kitsch and nostalgia — in particular. To learn more, I spoke with a woman who’s mom was sent into labor by a lobster pie at Hilltop Steakhouse.Send us a text
2023-07-2629 minWe Are HereCultivating ideas in ErieA "main street think tank" is bringing people together in Northwestern Pennsylvania, providing a space for deep conversations, community engagement, and growth. The Jefferson Educational Society is also listening, expanding their reach into new towns and neighborhoods.2023-07-1334 minExplain Boston to MeAllston Christmas with Matt ShearerOn the first ever episode of "Explain Boston to Me," we’re talking about Allston Christmas, the smorgasbord of free curbside stuff that happens every September 1. To explain this phenomenon — and to give the overall scoop on Allston — host Lee Stabert is chatting with Matt Shearer, a reporter for WBZ News Radio. You might have heard him over the airwaves, but if you’re under 40 you’re probably more likely to have seen one of his viral “man on the street” segments pinging around the internet. Check him out @reportermatt on instagram or @WBZnewsradio on TikTok. Send2023-07-1229 minWe Are HereCan young people embrace history?They certainly can, whether it's through an innovative, low-tech museum or via oral histories of recent generations. In our latest episode, we talk about how Pennsylvania institutions in Gettysburg and Philadelphia are bringing young people into the process of preserving the past.2023-06-0833 minWe Are HereIf you knew YorkYou could call York, Pennsylvania a hidden gem. This historic city in the south central region of the state, set amid the rolling hills and small towns of the county of the same name, has a thriving arts community. From downtown galleries to a lively music scene to myriad performance opportunities, this is a place where creative people thrive. In this episode, we speak Gregory DeCandia, artistic director of DreamWrights Center for Community Arts in York, where he is collecting the stories of 100 locals and transforming those interviews into a play. It’s just one example of how...2023-05-0123 minWe Are HereThe Lenape come home to PennsylvaniaFor thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers, the Lenape thrived in the Delaware Valley. Centuries of displacement followed, and now a repatriation project aims to heal old wounds. In this installment, we speak with Jeremy Johnson, Cultural Education Director of the Delaware Tribe of Indians, and Doug Miller, site administrator of Pennsbury Manor historic site in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, about giving the tribe’s ancestral remains and artifacts a final resting place.2023-03-0133 minWe Are HereEveryone has a story to tellThere are many ways to build community. In the Adams County, Pennsylvania, they used live performance and storytelling in a program called "The People Project". This year’s theme, explored during an event this past October, was “My Place at the Table.” Essays, music, and visual art pieces explored the connections between food, cultural traditions and family dynamics, while also tackling bigger ideas: Who gets a place at the table? How do you find your voice? To tell us more about it, we’re joined by Lisa Cadigan, executive director of the Adams County Arts Council, a...2023-01-1231 minPrismPrism Episode 6: The film biz and the live event industry light up PennsylvaniaPennsylvania's film industry employs almost 10,000 people in the Pittsburgh region. From the Dark Knight Rises to Netflix series Mindhunter, to an upcoming Ethan Cohen movie, groundbreaking entertainment is being created in southwestern PA.And then there is Lancaster County. Eighty percent of the Billboard top 100 tours were built out and conceptualized at Rock Lititz, a conglomeration of companies and creatives that have created a mecca for the event production sector.These industries have taken root in PA, and they are growing economic engines. But that does not happen on its own. People need to be...2022-11-2838 minWe Are HereFor immigrants to Pennsylvania, culture is connectionPhiladelphia has long been a city of immigrants — over the last four centuries, families have arrived here from England, Ireland, Italy, Central America, Mexico, Vietnam, Cambodia, West Africa. From all over the world. They have left their mark on this place through enduring cultural institutions, murals, architectural styles, regional slang, and of course water ice and weekend barbacoa. Lucky for us, people are still coming here — and there are organizations ready to welcome them. In this episode, we spoke with two such groups, both committed to the idea that staying connected to one’s culture is an importa...2022-11-1333 minWe Are HereYour local library is at your serviceWhat do you think of when you think of the library? Is it being a child? Filling your arms with stacks of books that reached past your chin? Is it visiting a grand place, like the main branch of the Philadelphia Public Library, to do your first real research? Or is it eagerly attending weekly storytime with a young child, happy to be out of the house and among fellow soldiers in the parenting trenches?But as the world changes, so do libraries. Whether it’s organizing board game nights, loaning out wi-fi hot spots, or encouraging co...2022-10-0423 minPrismPrism Episode 5: Pennsylvania's industrial heritage inspires its creative futurePennsylvania once boasted one of the most powerful industrial economies in the world. Steel, textiles, glass, cars, matchbooks — all were made right here in the Commonwealth in large factories that anchored small towns and big cities alike. As we all know, during the 20th century, things changed. Manufacturing moved elsewhere. Mills closed. Jobs were lost. Populations shifted. But many of those buildings are still here. Erected by craftspeople using materials that are made to last, the state’s industrial infrastructure is an essential part of its legacy, but also its future. In this episode, we spoke with Patri...2022-09-2930 min
Key ChangeKey Change Episode 12: The sounds of ALIBI Music are everywhereWe're continuing to spotlight passionate and creative Pennsylvanians. You’ve probably never heard of ALIBI, a company based in Pipersville in Bucks County. But you’ve definitely heard their work — music featured in national ads for McDonald's, trailers for Top Gun Maverick and Stranger Things, and in the background of thousands of TV shows and video games. They have created a library of over 350,000 pieces of audio, available both to Fortune 500 companies and to upstart YouTubers alike.To learn more about this fascinating corner of the music industry and learn about how a company from Pennsylvania has become...2022-09-1912 minWe Are HereArts on the FarmIn this episode, we’re headed back to nature. The Farm Arts Collective is based in Damascus, Pennsylvania, a town on the banks of the Delaware River in the northeastern corner of the state. Part organic farm, part immersive theater venue and education hub, this bucolic property operates at the intersection of so many essential challenges. How do we grow food in a way that preserves the environment? How do we take action on climate change? Can art and engagement transform a society? And can a perfect heirloom tomato win hearts and change minds? To tackle these big...2022-08-1626 minPrismPrism Episode 4: Planting the seeds for the arts to flourishArts are a driver of growth and vitality — that's the argument being made by economic development and local government leaders across Pennsylvania. In a lively conversation, we heard from two such folks, one from Erie County and one from York County, about how their communities support, fund, and catalyze the creative sector, and how that work is paying unexpected dividends. 2022-07-1833 minWe Are HereIntroducing We Are HereCreated in partnership with PA Humanities, this podcast is all about Pennsylvanians making their mark. To get you excited about the conversations to come, we’re chatting with Dawn Frisby Byers, the organization’s senior director of content and engagement. In this short intro episode, she helps us define “humanities” and illuminates just how their work helps communities thrive.2022-07-1205 minWe Are HereMurals and moxie in MillvaleIn the first episode, we’re heading to Millvale, Pennsylvania, a town of about 4,000 people right over the 40th Street Bridge from Pittsburgh. The riverside hamlet is home to an incredible series of church murals by Maxo Vanka. The Croatian-American artist explored themes of inequality, war, and justice in his intense, colorful work. Now a dedicated group of art-lovers, activists, educators, scientists, lighting designers, and parishioners have committed themselves to the preservation, promotion, and exploration of these remarkable works. It’s all part of an exciting new energy bubbling up in this historic town.2022-07-1231 minKey ChangeKey Change Episode 11: The Lake Erie wine industry gets fruitful and multipliesIn this episode, it’s time to talk wine. Pennsylvania wine to be exact. Mario Mazza is a second-generation winemaker at Robert Mazza, Inc., an Erie County stalwart preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary. We chatted with Mario about his very special — and spectacularly beautiful — corner of the state, life in a family business, and how the local wine industry continues to evolve.2022-06-0616 minKey ChangeIntroducing the Prism podcast from Keystone EdgeKey Change listeners: check out Prism, a new podcast series from Keystone Edge produced in partnership with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. The goal of these conversations is to shine a light on the power of creativity in PA communities. In this episode, we’re talking about immigrants — artists who came from abroad to make Pennsylvania their home. Through their work, these two men are enriching their communities and adding to the commonwealth’s bounty of public art.2022-05-1819 minPrismPrism Episode 3: In Pennsylvania, an infusion of international talentIn this episode, we’re talking about immigrants — artists who came from abroad to make Pennsylvania their home. Through their work, these two men are enriching their communities and adding to the commonwealth's bounty of public art.2022-05-1819 minPrismPrism Episode 2: “It was going to be a viable career path — there are people who do this”This episode covers Pennsylvania’s flourishing games industry. We’ve come a long way since the days of the arcade, and so has this fascinating field, which runs the gamut from large institutional degree programs to boutique video game designers.2022-04-0831 minPrismPrism Episode 1: "Nobody crowds you and nobody goes it alone"In our first episode of Prism, we spoke with Hannah Harley of Indiana, PA and Erin Ninehouser of Ambridge, PA in Beaver County, western Pennsylvania. These two women have committed themselves to creative pursuits outside of resource-rich and art-dense cities, and they’re happier and more fulfilled for it. The lesson is clear: In a small place, you can have a huge impact.2022-03-0234 minKey ChangeKey Change Episode 10: Cheerleading for rural innovationThe rural landscape known as the Pennsylvania Wilds covers approximately 25% of the state’s land acreage, yet is home to just 4% of the population. The former lumber capital of the world boasts 29 state parks, eight state forests, two National Wild and Scenic Rivers, some of the darkest skies in the country, and the largest elk herd in the northeast. It is also home to hundreds of small businesses — both those you’d expect (outdoor recreation outfitters and woodworkers) and those that might surprise you, such as high tech manufacturing and artisanal printing. We spoke with Ta Enos, founder and CEO of...2022-01-1817 minKey ChangeKey Change Episode 9: Mayor Brandy Schimp goes to bat for her hometownIn our latest episode, we spoke with Brandon “Brandy” Schimp, the recently re-elected mayor of Kane, PA, a charming town up in the PA Wilds — McKean County to be exact. In recent years, this historic hamlet and gateway to the Allegheny National Forest has garnered a lot of attention for its revitalized main street and passionate small business community. We chatted with Mayor Schimp about what drove her to run for office, the latest developments in Kane, and why the area’s natural beauty remains its greatest asset.2021-11-1312 minKey ChangeKey Change Episode 8: A from-scratch Pittsburgh neighborhood makes progressHazelwood Green is a new neighborhood rising from a 178 acre brownfield on the banks of the Monongahela River in Pittsburgh. Where once they made steel, the forces behind this massive mixed-use project hoped to foster innovation and collaboration, building out public spaces, bike lanes, transit, apartments, cutting-edge offices, retail, and waterfront recreation trails. Three years and one global pandemic later, we wanted an update. How have the plans evolved? Are they still on track? What’s coming next? 2021-08-2013 minKey ChangeKey Change Episode 7: An ideal moment to reconsider how and where we workThe conversation around how and particularly where we work has grown increasingly lively over the last few years. Remote work, co-working, digital nomads — all these terms entered the lexicon. Then the pandemic hit, and we became a work-from-home nation overnight. (I’ll take a moment here to shout out the essential workers who didn’t have that option and who continue to deserve our respect and gratitude.) Now, as offices reopen and our schedules fill back up with travel and social engagements, these questions — How? Where? For how long? — are back in a major way.2021-06-2211 minKey ChangeKey Change Episode 6: Thanks to Harvie, eating local is deliciously simpleLast summer, we wrote a story in Keystone Edge about how that moment of reckoning had inspired folks across Pennsylvania to look closer to home — to buy from small farms, sign up for CSA shares, or reorient their purchasing priorities with a new emphasis putting dollars directly into the local economy. While reporting that story, we encountered Harvie, a company out of Pittsburgh, working for more than a decade at the intersection of technology and agriculture. As the spring growing season ramps up, we thought this was a perfect moment to get their thoughts on a tumultuous but ultimately fr...2021-05-1213 minKey ChangeKey Change Episode 5: Riding the Covid-era roller coaster at Waldameer ParkWith this next guest, it’s impossible to delve into the last year without invoking a roller coaster — we’ve all been riding an emotional one, and might be itching to scream ourselves silly on a real one. Enter Waldameer Park & Water World, a 125-year-old amusement park on the shores of Lake Erie. Let’s hear from Vice President of Operations Brian Gorman about how this local institution (which, parents take note, offers free admission and free parking!) leaned into all the twists and turns 2020 had to offer, and how they’re feeling going into the 2021 season.2021-03-1610 minKey ChangeKey Change Episode 4: Tiffany Wilson accepts a new job in an unprecedented momentIn this episode, we spoke with Tiffany Wilson, the new CEO of the University City Science Center in West Philadelphia. The Science Center has been around for almost 60 years, and the campus has grown into a powerful engine of growth through its work commercializing promising technologies, cultivating talent, and connecting like-minded folks, whether they be global leaders in tech or neighborhood kids hoping to hone their STEM skills. Wilson came on board in late summer 2020, stepping into a challenging role in a particularly challenging moment. Take a listen!2021-02-1611 minKey ChangeKey Change Episode 2: Barrio Alegría gets creative in ReadingToday we chat with Daniel Egusquiza, executive director of Barrio Alegría in Reading, Pennsylvania. Pre-pandemic, the organization used arts programming and neighborhood cleanups to engage their local community. These days, they’re…well, using arts programming and neighborhood cleanups to engage their local community. But that doesn’t mean things haven’t changed. The group has been forced to adapt and modernize — and in the end, they hope to come out of the pandemic with even more arrows in their quiver. 2021-01-2210 minKey ChangeKey Change Episode 3: Lights, camera, pivot at Lancaster’s Zoetropolis Cinema StillhouseIn this episode, we chatted with Chelia Huettner and Nate Boring, two of the five partners behind Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhouse. In 2018, the team took a legacy art house theater in downtown Lancaster and transformed it into a combination movie house, restaurant and distillery. It was that last element of the business that helped keep them afloat during shutdowns, along with creative use of their outdoor space and a new delivery arm. Take a listen!2021-01-2212 minKey ChangeKey Change Episode 1: Manatawny Still Works raises the barIn our first episode, we chat with Derek Menaldino, co-owner of Manatawny Still Works. Keystone Edge profiled this craft distillery in June 2019, writing about their production facility in Pottstown, their taproom in South Philadelphia, and their careful approach to whiskey. Join us to hear what happened next.2021-01-2111 min